I was recently invited back
to a group I’d spoken to previously. When the subject is related to my books,
I’m so in my comfort zone and can
talk a blue streak. But since I’d already covered that ground, clearly, I
needed new material.
With fear and trepidation, I
prepared a presentation optimistically titled, An Interactive Writing Workshop.
My plan included a brief description of setting, character development, genre
and point of view. Keeping those topics in mind, I’d follow up by reading the opening
paragraphs from several of my books. Then, (cue music) the scary part. I would
ask them to write the beginning of a story.
Assailed by doubts, the
following scenarios appeared in my overactive imagination. What if nobody
showed up? What if I was met with truculent glares and they refused to
participate? What if I heard mutterings like, “Why the heck did I come to this
stupid thing?” “You want us to write???” Or, worst case scenario, maybe someone
would initiate a stampede to the exit.
Because of my anxiety, I over
prepared. I arrived armed with a long list of possible settings and dozens of
writing prompts. Guess what? Not necessary.
Jim arrived early so he could
show me the book he’d written about his life, titled The Farm. Many others filed into the room armed with paper and
pens. After my brief introduction, I asked them to write, either individually
or with a partner. With nary a grumble, they got to work. What they produced
was educational . . . for me.
Bob, a child of the
depression, came home from school to find the all family’s possessions piled
outside their re-possessed home. Despite abject poverty, Bob served in the
military, earned his M.D. and had many interesting experiences as a county
coroner.
When Judy, along with three
small children, arrived in the Philippines to join her military husband, he was
nowhere to be found. Unfortunately, nobody told him she was coming. It was
Sunday. None of the stores were open. There was very little furniture in the
house and no food. Unlike today’s Millennials who panic when they can’t get
cell service, Judy prevailed.
Sharon’s story of visiting
her parents’ graves moved us to tears. Her husband’s description of an outdoor
adventure was eloquent as well.
One group took the challenge
of using a story prompt and penned a story about a group of 13-year-old girls
gathered around a campfire and their rough-around-the edges visitor, Whopsy
Willie. Creative, indeed!
If you decide to undertake a similar
project, here’s my advice. Look for a group of well-seasoned adults who have
lived life to the fullest. Their stories are amazing. I promise you will be
richer for the experience. I know I was.
